Top Ten
February 13, 2009
Anti-Semitic slurs reported at York student event
York University is investigating an incident that took place last Wednesday in which representatives of the York Federation of Students and the Students Against the Israeli Apartheid allegedly made anti-Semitic slurs during the disruption of a news conference held by Hillel, a Jewish student group, and other student organizations calling for the impeachment of the YFS executive over its stance during the strike. There have been recent reports of anti-Semitic incidents at York, including a threatening phone call made to a pro-Israeli student. Globe and Mail | National Post | CTVUPEI capital campaign exceeds $50-million goal
The University of Prince Edward Island's "Building a Legacy" campaign has reached over $52 million, well above the campaign's $50-million goal. Over 90% of contributions to the campaign came from individuals with long-standing, close ties to the university and the province. "This spectacular achievement has come from our own hearts and pockets, and from our commitment to build a legacy through a great university." UPEI News Release$11 million for Brandon U expansion, improvements
The Manitoba government announced last Thursday over $11 million in funding for expansion and campus improvements at Brandon University. The construction of a new $4-million physical plant will clear the way for the $4-million expansion and renovation of the student-owned and operated Knowles Douglas Commission building. Construction of the physical plant could begin as early as this spring. Manitoba News ReleaseOntario should consider "no-frills," open online universities
In order to address the growing demand for PSE, the Ontario government should look into introducing a teaching-oriented undergraduate university largely focused on arts and science, suggests a new report from the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario. Other PSE structures recommended include an open online university and 2 or 3 colleges offering a wider range of degrees. HEQCO News Release | Toronto Star | Read the full report92% of 2007 NSCC grads find work
According to the Nova Scotia Community College's 2008 Follow-Up Survey, 92% of NSCC students who graduated in 2007 were employed within a year, and 88% of those were working in their fields of study. The report also found the average annual salary of graduates is on the rise, with 2007 NSCC graduates earning 10% more than the class of 2006. NSCC News Release | Halifax Chronicle-Herald | Read the full reportMcGill rumoured to purchase downtown hotel
According to the McGill Tribune, a student newspaper, McGill University is in the midst of negotiating the purchase of the Four Points Sheraton Hotel in downtown Montreal for additional residence space. A university spokesperson would not confirm the negotiation, stating that "McGill has a policy of not discussing real estate transactions in public." Representatives from the Confederation of National Unions, whose members at the hotel are currently in a labour dispute, are skeptical about such a deal. In 2003, McGill bought the former Renaissance Hotel, which operates as a residence at nearly 100% capacity. Montreal Gazette | McGill Tribune (student newspaper)Red River College could take over police building
If the Winnipeg Police Service ever moves out of the crumbling Public Safety Building, Red River College may be interested in taking over the facility. The college made preliminary inquiries about the building late last year but wanted to keep them quiet, as the school is still trying to secure funding for its plans to expand into the empty Union Bank Tower. Winnipeg Sun | Winnipeg Free PressCAUT writes to PM on research funding
In an open letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper, the Canadian Association of University Teachers writes that it is "alarmed that scientific research in Canada is being undermined through underfunding and by attempts to specify what scientists study," as suggested by the latest federal budget. The letter states that urgent action is needed to safeguard scientific research, or else many of Canada's best academics will be lured to the US, as the Obama government is poised to add billions in new funding to American granting councils. Read the letterOCAD ad campaign for masters program takes scientific approach
"Formula" is the name of the Ontario College of Art & Design's media campaign for its part-time Executive Masters of Design in Advertising, which launched last February. Print and video versions show a mathematical formula in which names and brands replace numbers. The ads bear the tagline "Learn what it takes to be one of the greats." An accompanying website features video testimonials of program graduates standing in front of the blackboard equation. Marketing Magazine | EMDes Masterminds
